AMA endorses important framework to promote firearm safety

The American Medical Association (AMA) on Tuesday endorsed recommendations made by other leading groups of health care professionals to reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths.

At its Interim meeting, the AMA backed the proposals, which track existing AMA policies intended to reduce the public health consequences of firearms. The specific recommendations – originally made by seven health groups and one legal group in 2015 – include  universal background checks of gun purchasers, elimination of physician “gag laws,” restrictions on the manufacture and sale of military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines for civilian use, and research to support strategies for reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths. The health professional organizations also advocate for improved access to mental health services.